How to Carve a Wood Spirit

Wood spirits are figures featuring a combination of human features and the elements. These figures are believed by Native American Indians to protect the owners from dangers lurking in the woods. Wood spirits are typically carved into hiking sticks. Carving wood spirits is a fun hobby and can also be a way for the wood spirit enthusiast to earn extra income. Here's how you can begin carving your own wood spirit collection.

Things You'll Need

Pencil

Paper

Walking stick

Knife

Small hammer

Chisel

Sandpaper

Find a suitable stick. It should be thick and sturdy, suitable for hiking. You can purchase a stick, but it's more fun to go into the woods and pick one up. Don't worry about trying to find a perfectly straight stick. A crooked, weathered-looking stick will add character to your creation. Do try to find a stick that's wide enough for you to work on.

Sketch an idea for your wood spirit on paper. Decide what elements of nature you will combine with human features to create your own wood spirit character. You can also find patterns online free of charge at Carvingpatterns.com.

Find a solid surface to work on. Place your stick on the surface and clamp it down so it doesn't move as you work. Use a small hammer and chisel to notch out the general features of your wood spirit. You're going for a bas relief look that will give your wood spirit a 3D effect.

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Use a carving knife to finish the details of your wood spirit. You want a knife that has a small, sharp tip. This will allow you to detail the elements of nature you've decided to include in your spirit. Try forming the human features first—eyes, nose, mouth—then adding wind, fire, leaves, or whatever natural elements you're including.

Sand your finished spirit with a piece of sandpaper until all of the features are smooth. You can leave the wood spirit raw or add a coat of clear varnish. If you like, use acrylic paint to add some color to the spirit.